Give by Phone

Magdalena's Story

October 25, 2013

Life in the fast lane is not for everyone. That saying certainly is true for retired racing greyhound, Magdalena, who was adopted by her owners, Diane Foster and Bob Chaney. The owners wanted to add one more dog to their family which already included another retired greyhound, Saint John and an Irish Wolfhound named St. Michael. They were one, big, happy family.

In April 2011, Magdalena started to have signs of illness and Diane and Bob took her to several veterinarians and no one could find out what was wrong. They were almost ready to give up, but then they tried one last place to save Magdalena's life - The Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Michael Reese remembers that when Maggie first came to Purdue, she had been suffering from a painful neck, trouble walking, and a low energy level. Within 24 hours the wonderful veterinarians and staff at Purdue had diagnosed the disease as meningitis which is inflammation of the central nervous system and brain. This disease is usually fatal. Magdalena has recovered well and is enjoying some of her favorite things, like tossing her stuffed animals into the air, with her family.

The Chaney’s were so amazed with the care that they and Magdalena had received during their time at Purdue decided to establish an endowment fund that will provide financial assistance to pet owners. Their gift of $25,000 to create the Magdalena Fund for Ill and Injured Animals is a reminder and a gesture of kindness that was shown to them as clients. “We saw many families and owners come in with their sweet pets that didn’t have the means to pay for their medical treatment, but they found a way…” we want to give back and help pay it forward to everyone who loves their animals and wants nothing but the best for them.”